A/N: Thank you soo much to everyone who has reviewed or followed or favourited so far, it means so much. So, this chapter got a little longer than anticipated but I really hope you like it :)
When my eyes fluttered open the next morning, the first thing I noticed was Cato's face just inches from mine, peaceful in unconsciousness. They say that people look younger in sleep and I could only agree – looking at Cato the way he was, he could have been the innocent, young boy that I had met all those years ago at the training centre. The boy who'd teased me about my size and lack of skills until I'd sent a knife flying in his direction, missing his head by just millimetres. He'd never teased me again. I felt a smile blossoming on my lips at the memory, though it soon faded. Cato was nothing like that boy now – all the innocence ripped away from him by the cruel games that we had been forced to face. Scars ran through him inside and out and his caring, loving side was almost always hidden from the world that surrounded us.
"You're staring at me, it's weird," Cato murmured without moving.
I jumped slightly at his sudden, unexpected stirring. He must have sensed my shock because his eyes opened a second later and he was grinning.
"I wasn't staring," I insisted, glaring at him.
"Sure," he replied, rolling his eyes. "So, we're gonna be in the Capitol soon."
It was the first time we'd been back to the Capitol since our victory in the games and I couldn't say I was looking forward to it. Still, I didn't really feel like admitting that.
"So?"
Cato sighed at my stubbornness.
"So… how do you feel about it?"
I shrugged - which was pretty hard considering that I was lying down – pretending it was nothing. To be honest, it was nothing.
"How about you?" I shot back.
"I don't know," he answered, looking thoughtful. "Ready, I guess. To show them… to show them that we won. How we survived. You know?"
It was funny because I did know. It was like there was a need deep within me to prove to everyone that I could face the Hunger Games and be unaffected. I wanted the Capitol to know that we had beaten them. Or at least not died pathetically at their hands like so many others. The only problem was that they had won, whether Cato and I were ready to admit that or not. We may have survived but our lives would never be the same. I would never be able to sleep well at night, be alone in a dark room. I didn't think I'd ever be able to actually smile with meaning again, besides when I was with Cato. The Games had changed my perspective on life so dramatically and I didn't know how to change it back. Killing had always been a second nature to me, something to enjoy, but now that I didn't have to, the question was did I want to? Had I only enjoyed killing people all these years because I'd been told I had to do it? I didn't know anymore. All I knew was that I no longer automatically reached for a weapon when I was mad. What was the point? What was the point in inflicting pain on others just to deal with my own?
I just nodded, contemplating his words. This was going to be the biggest act of all that we had to put on. We had to show everyone that we hadn't been changed. That we were strong, worthy victors.
"Hey," Cato said snapping his fingers in front of my face, forcing my attention back to him. "Don't think about it."
"Don't think about it?" I repeated in disbelief. "How can I? We're almost-"
My words were suddenly cut off my Cato's lips pressing against mine hungrily. I felt the slight pressure of his teeth biting into me and my breathing was suddenly coming heavier and faster.
"I said, don't think about it," he whispered into my mouth.
"Okay," I mouthed, unable to think of anything else to say.
All at once the kiss intensified and the hot, burning passion inside of me, that only Cato could control, sparked to life. I twisted one hand through Cato's matted blonde hair, yanking him towards me, whilst the other clawed at his back in my desperate bid for his closeness. It was moments like this that stopped be from getting lost in the guilt-ridden, horror-filled abyss that had existed in my mind ever since the games. Sometimes I just needed to feel… human. Cato caressed my hair, my waist, the small of my back… he was more gentle than anyone could ever imagine yet so wild and rough at the same time. Being able to be like this with Cato made going through the games all worthwhile. I kicked my leg free of the covers and hitched it around his waist, wrapping myself closer.
Just as things were about to get interesting, Rondula's shrill, Capitol voice made me jump and flinch away from Cato as if we were naughty children being caught doing something we shouldn't. Which, I guess we were.
"Up, up, up everyone! We're here!"
Cato cursed under his breath.
"Maybe if we ignore her she'll go away," I whispered.
He laughed lightly.
"Hmm, something tells me that won't work."
I pouted at him before slowly running one hand over his chest and starring up from under my lashes.
Cato groaned slightly.
"If you carry on looking at me like that, we're never leaving this room."
I giggled quietly and we were about to take off from where we had been when Rondula's frantic knocking and cried interrupted us again.
"Get up now! Cato, I know you're in there! And Clove, you know Cato isn't supposed to be in your room!"
Cato and I just smirked at each other, finally leaving the bed after another couple of minutes. Cato retrieved his shirt from the floor whilst I donned the outfit that I'd been wearing the night before; a pair of black pants and a navy shirt.
It was finally hitting me just how much I was dreading returning to the Capitol. But, hey, nothing I could do now.
"You okay?" Cato asked as we were about to exit the room.
"Fine."
I marched past him and through the door, attempting to look confident and fearless. It was a look that I'd perfected somewhat over the years. I was pretty sure I'd succeeded until I saw Rondula's white powered face which, quite frankly, scared the hell out of me.
She stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for God knows what.
"Yes?" I asked finally – she was blocking my way.
"Well? What do you have to say for yourselves? What have I told you about-"
"Manners and setting an example, yes, yes, we know," Cato interrupted, losing his patience every bit as much as me.
Why were the Capitol citizens so up in your face? What made them better than Cato and I?
"Look, just move. We're getting breakfast if you feel like coming," I snapped, shoving past Rondula with Cato trailing behind me.
"Nice," Cato smirked as soon as she was out of earshot, "I was starting to think you'd lost your grr."
I spun around and slammed him against the wall behind us, pressing one fist against his throat. I wasn't entirely sure why I'd reacted like I had. Blame it on the pre-interview jitters or something.
"What was that?" I snarled.
"Woah, easy," Cato put his hands up in mock surrender. "Absolutely nothing."
I could tell that he wanted to laugh but was probably scared of what I might do to him so I released the pressure of my death-grip and turned to continue the way we'd been going before, rolling my eyes. The second I turned my back, I heard Cato move quickly but was too slow to react in time. In a second, he had me pressed up against the train wall as I had just had him, except with my back to him and my front flatted out against the solid surface. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was plain white wall, just millimetres away. I tried to move but Cato had my arms locked in his vice-like hold from behind. I grunted, attempting to push off the wall once more and failing again.
"You didn't think I was going to let you beat me that easily, did you?" he mocked in my ear. I snarled viciously. This was not on.
Without warning, I sharply kicked my leg up, hitting Cato where it hurt – and hard – whilst simultaneously biting down on his hand nearest to me. Enobaria would be so proud.
Cato hissed in pain and faltered for a second, just long enough for me to floor him as I had done so many times before in training. On his way down, though, Cato managed to capture my ankles and knock me down with him. I collapsed above him with a yelp, though quickly recovered myself and placed my hands on his shoulders so that we were looking each other directly in the eye.
"Don't underestimate me," I breathed in his face. Suddenly Cato rocked underneath me.
"Hey!" I yelled as he flipped himself over so that I was no on the bottom of him. He grinned down at me.
"Don't underestimate me," he murmured, lowering his lips so that they were brushing against mine.
An unexpected piercing screech out of nowhere caused me to wince. I looked up from under Cato's broad frame to see none other than Rondula towering over us in all her Capitol glory.
"What are you doing? Do you want to be late?" she squealed, over-excited as ever. "Do you know how much these outfits are worth? We don't have time for this idiocy! Thank God you haven't had your hair and make-up done yet…"
"Oh chill out, Cruella," Cato sighed as both got to our feet.
"Excuse me?" Rondula gaped in response.
I rolled my eyes in exasperation, grabbing Cato's arm and dragging him along with me to the dining area. That was enough trouble for one morning.
"Clove, honey," Rondula spoke following behind us, having recovered from her fit of anger, "do be sure to return to your room as quickly as possible. We're running slightly behind schedule so you'll have to get ready on the train, rather than in your training quarters. Anyway, don't leave Garia and Lunarus waiting – your hair and make-up could take some time."
I paused to shoot her a death glare, which of course the ignorant woman completely missed, whilst Cato chuckled at me. I shifted my gaze to him, my scowl menacing though I was unable to remove the joking edge from my eyes.
As we arrived at the table, Cato bowed and pulled my chair out for me in an over-exaggerated gentlemanly gesture. I snorted, accepting the seat as he collapsed opposite me.
Rondula placed herself to my right and unsubtly darted looks between Cato and I. Probably trying to figure us out. I mean, one second she finds us bed together, the next we're attacking one another in the hallway. I supposed it was fair enough for her to be confused – I knew I was. Cato and I were… complicated. I honestly couldn't think of another word to describe it.
After our, admittedly delicious, breakfast, I was ushered off to my room once more for my Capitol-approved make-over.
I was able to zone out and respond accordingly to their high-pitched coos of delight.
"Ooh, isn't it exciting going back to the Capitol?" and "you're so lucky you're going to be a mentor in the quarter quell!".
A short while later, I was presented with my reflection in the mirror, much to my annoyance. I never particularly liked what my stylists did to me; today my hair had been left to flow down my shoulders in long, silky raven waves whilst my eye make-up was smoky and dramatic. All in all, not the worst Capitol make-over.
I had no idea what Cato had been doing in the mean time but I could only guess that it had been what he wanted to do. I couldn't help but envy his escape from the wild Capitol creatures that I'd been bombarded with.
Eventually, I managed to escape Garia and Lunarus after their seemingly endless squeals and coos of delight, stumbling out of my room and into the dining area once more. Of course Cato was there stuffing his face, the pig. I rolled my eyes as I entered the room without Cato even noticing my presence.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat pointedly and tried to hide the smug smile when he finally did acknowledge me. His eyes widened slightly and a slow smile spread across his face as he looked over me. I struck a pose jokingly until his grin morphed into an amused laugh.
"Nice. You could almost pass as one of them."
Them being the Capitol weirdo's that would soon be surrounding us.
"Hey!" I huffed, stepping forwards and punching him on the arm.
"Meant as a compliment, of course," he amended.
I sighed. "Of course."
Cato chuckled again as I took a seat next to him.
"I'm just joking, Clove. You look great."
I snorted with another eye roll.
"Wow, what a compliment."
"Last time I checked, it was a compliment," he replied. "What else do you want me to say?"
I chose not to answer that. God, he could be so clueless sometimes.
"So anyway," I changed the subject, "when are we getting off this damn train?"
As Cato opened his mouth to reply, Rondula's abnormal, colourful hair appeared in the doorway, along with the rest of her.
"We don't have time to waste sitting around! Just time for your outfit changes and then it's on with the interviews! The whole of Panem is waiting!"
I couldn't help but sigh as she hustled me out the door and into a small room in the train that I'd never been in before, where a large, plastic-covered garment was thrust into my hands.
"Do not tear it," were Rondula's final words before shoving the door shut in my face.
I winced as I slowly unzipped the bag, apprehensive about what Romairo had designed for my interview with Caesar. The smooth, silky material that spilled into my hands was ebony black and fairly simplistic. Upon further inspection, I discovered that it was short. Very short. The dress had a plunging neckline and pulled in tight around the waist before flowing out in waves, ending around mid-thigh. The entire ensemble was made of very fine, probably very expensive silk. And it was pretty, don't get me wrong, just not… me. Though I doubted anything that had been designed by the Capitol ever would be.
I felt the minor sensation of butterflies in my stomach which I hated. Why would I be nervous to wear a stupid dress? Because of what Panem would think of me? Or maybe just Cato…
Deciding that there was nothing to be done, I had no choice but to wear the damn thing, I laid the dress down in preparation to wear and hastily stripped off my itchy, day-old clothes. In that one second, the thick, wooden door that was separating me from the rest of the train, swung backwards into the cramped space that I was in, nearly hitting me in the face.
"Hey, I-" Cato began before taking in my appearance.
"Get out!" I screamed, slamming the door backwards with every ounce of force in my body.
Oh my God, oh my God, my mind chanted over and over. My hands, which had automatically flown to cover my body, were shaking slightly. For God's sake, what was the problem? Cato had seen me in less than this before… yet I couldn't stop freaking out.
I was interrupted by Cato's uncontrollable laughter from the other side of the door.
"I'm – I'm sorry," he forced out between his manic snorts. "I didn't know – you were getting changed."
I snarled, loud enough for him to hear, which shut him up.
"Go. Away," I hissed, infuriated.
After a second, I heard Cato's boots slowly clomp down the hallway, away from where I was.
I took a couple of gulps of air to calm my breathing before slipping on the minimal garment. I glanced in the mirror on my left. The dress fitted me perfectly and looked good, though maybe a little too good for my liking. I tore my eyes away from the dress for a second to look at the reflection of my face, which was still glowing red from Cato's embarrassing outburst. Damn him.
A second or two later, I exited the room, leaving my old clothes dumped in a pile on the floor. That's what Avox's were for, right?
I was greeted almost instantly by Rondula who clapped her hands excitedly.
"You look gorgeous!" she exclaimed happily, which, coming from her, concerned me.
"Thanks," I muttered, absently donning the silver pumps she handed to me.
"All set then?" she asked excitedly.
I nodded numbly. Was I? I'd faced the Capitol crowds before, what was so different now? Come on, Clove. You've handled the arena and the gamemakers. You can handle one orange fool with blue hair.
"Cato!" Rondula suddenly screeched. "Damn it, where is that boy?" she murmured, scampering off to find him.
I took the second alone to smooth down my dress and fluff out my hair when Romairo appeared out of nowhere.
"Romairo."
"Clove," he smiled. "I see you found my latest creation for you."
I frowned slightly without meaning to.
"Yes. Interesting."
"You look amazing. Trust me, they'll love it."
"It's not them I'm worried about," I muttered.
Cato and Rondula burst back into the corridor at that point, slightly out of puff. Cato wore a black suit with a sky blue shirt. The second I met his eyes, an all-too familiar knowing smirk settled on his lips while I felt my face reddening again. Damn, damn, damn.
Rondula raised her eyebrows but otherwise ignored us.
"Ready to go?"
"Absolutely," I replied before Cato could get the words out, determined to look under control no matter how I felt. Again with the eyebrow raising, Rondula lead us towards the exit of the train.
"Nice," Cato murmured, "but I prefer what I saw underneath."
I blushed furiously, much to my utter irritation. Did he have to be so loud? Rondula definitely heard but, again, didn't comment. I saw Romairo grin to himself before he disappeared with Crissina, Cato's stylist.
"Let's do this stupid interview," I growled, marching on.
Rondula took my hand and lead me across to the building where it would take place. We had to take a back entrance so none of the awaiting crowds could catch a glimpse of our outfits or us for that matter. We were shoved into a small room and given five minutes before the interview was due to start.
"Look, I just have to check in with – oh, hello darling!" Rondula called to a Capitol minion in the distance. "Back in a bit, honey. Don't worry, you'll be fine."
Then she dashed off in a swirl of powder and perfume.
There was a moments silence before I turned to Cato.
"You ready for this?" I demanded sounding fiercer than intended due to the sick feeling in my stomach. The more nervous I got, the angrier I became. Cato knew that.
"Of course. What could go wrong?"
"But we haven't even prepared any answers!" I exclaimed, beginning to tap my foot in impatience and anticipation. As usual Enobaria hadn't even bothered to show up to talk to us before the interviews. She really was the worst mentor. Lucky Cato and I didn't need anyone. Or that's what I had thought…
"We never did before," Cato reminded me.
"Yes but we'll be asked different questions this time. Questions about, you know, us."
"Then we just tell the truth."
How can I tell the truth if I don't even understand it myself? I wanted to scream.
Instead, I just nodded, concentrating on my breathing. Cato lifted my chin so that our eyes met.
"Clove, you don't have to worry."
I snapped my head away from his grip.
"I'm not."
Cato sighed, knowing better than to argue with me at a time like this.
"Whatever. Just don't hate me for what I say out there."
I frowned.
"Why would I-"
Suddenly I was cut off by an eruption of screaming and applause as the show began and Caesar Flickerman entered the stage, grinning like a blue buffoon.
"Welcome!" he cried, addressing the crowd. I chewed on my lip as I waited for our cue.
"What are you going to do?" I hissed.
No answer.
"Cato!"
Cato chuckled with a shrug in response.
"Please welcome to the stage, this years Hunger Games champions – Cato and Clove from District 2!" Caesar roared, being drowned out by the whooping and applause.
Cato bowed, waving a hand out in front of him, gesturing for me to go first. I glowered at him before walking, hopefully gracefully, on to the stage. I pretended not to notice some of the male members of the audience's reaction to my dress and exposed flesh. I heard Cato following closely behind me being wolf-whistled at by practically every woman. Now is not the time to get jealous, Clove. When I sat down I made sure to keep my legs tightly pressed together in order to protect my own dignity.
"Clove, Cato, welcome back!" Caesar Flickerman gushed, kissing my hand and shaking Cato's as we took our seats. There was something about the Capitol audience's with their bright colours and loud voices and the gleaming lights of the studio that never failed to leave me in awe. It may have annoyed the hell out of me but the Capitol really was something, I'd give you that.
"So, how have you been?" Caesar began, crossing his legs and leaning towards us.
"We've been doing pretty well, I suppose," Cato answered. "Can't complain."
"Can't complain!" Caesar repeated with an exaggerated, shocked laugh. "Would you listen to this!" he exclaimed, addressing the audience.
"Nah, I'm just messing with you," Cato chuckled, continuing. "It's all been great. Clove and I actually got our own house together which has its, you know… benefits." He waggled his eyebrows around like a madman.
What are you doing? I inwardly yelled at him. Of course on the outside I was smiling (though through tight lips).
"I bet it does!" Caesar bellowed in excitement. The crowd exploded in cheers once more. My God, these people needed to calm down. "And Clove, how do you feel about these living arrangements?"
I forced a smile and bit back my anger, finally saying, "bearable," with just a hint of acid in my tone.
"I see," he grinned, moving on. "So, what have you been up to since the games?"
Before I could answer with something sensible, Cato plunged on like the idiot he was.
"Well, that would be telling. Besides, it's not something I'd feel comfortable discussing with the whole of Panem," he winked.
"Oh, really?" Caesar chuckled, turning to the audience. "Can you believe these two?"
"What can I say, Caesar? The games were a long time to be away from that sort of thing, if you know what I mean. Come on, I'm just a man."
"Indeed you are!" was the thundering reply as the room filled with booming laughter. I'm going to kill him. "No but seriously," Caesar continued, a lot hush settling upon the audience, "how would you say your lives have changed since becoming victors?"
I decided to take the lead on that question before Cato could embarrass us anymore.
"I think I speak on behalf of both of us when I say that it hasn't changed our lives too much. We have a nicer house, better skills and more enemies. Little else has been altered, to be honest."
"When you say 'more enemies', what exactly do you mean? Are more people… scared of you?"
"No more than were before," I smirked.
"I think what Clove meant by more enemies wasn't exactly people in our District., but those who knew the other tributes who died in the arena, whether we caused their deaths or not. I suppose they feel like we took the winning place that their son, their daughter could have been awarded. You know what I mean?"
"Of course, of course," Caesar replied solemnly. "I just don't know how someone deals with that."
"Please Caesar," I scoffed, "it's nothing."
"Your confidence is inspiring, Clove!" he grinned, easily perking up.
The interview continued to flow smoothly, me acting cool and sarcastic (not a hard act to keep up) while Cato dropped inappropriate remarks in whenever he could. I didn't know what was up with him but didn't even waste time thinking about it. If he wanted to embarrass himself in front of the whole of Panem, that was his choice. I tried to ignore the fact that he was embarrassing me along with him as best I could.
After a draining while, we finally said our final goodbyes to Caesar and left the stage, the Capitol crowds never faltering with their echoing cheers of delight.
The second that the stage doors shut behind us and the screams and hoots could no longer be heard, I turned on my heel and marched away from Cato, and anyone else for that matter, in the general direction of the training centre. For the short time that we were in the Capitol, we had been allowed to stay in our old training quarters. The penthouse style space allocated for District 2 was every bit as luxury and over-the-top as anything else in the Capitol. As I made my way down the winding corridors and through a set of double doors, I was presented with the familiar space. The last time that I'd been here had been in the nights leading up to the games. The nights where, despite my confident façade, I had doubted whether I'd ever see District 2 again. I shuffled along through the quarters until I reached my old, temporary bedroom where so many memories had been made. Flashbacks of Cato and I together in this room swirled around in my mind and overpowered my vision for a second before I forced them away, remembering that I was mad at Cato at that minute. I slammed the door shut behind me and ambled over to the huge closet in the far corner of the room. There were endless racks of Capitol approved outfits so I grabbed one, eager to remove the clingy dress that made me so self-conscious. I changed quickly as to avoid another incident similar to earlier that day. Although overly-elaborate and expensive, there was no denying that the plain navy pants and grey silky vest were comfortable and looked damn good.
Gingerly, I perched myself on the edge of the king-sized bed, taking in the familiar surroundings and inhaling the Capitol smells. It was so strange to be there in the exact same spot that I had spent strategizing by myself the night before the games. I was dreading nothing, though, preparing for nothing this time around. Which, despite sometimes bugging me, was oddly peaceful and comforting. Maybe this time I could actually appreciate the cosy bed and incredible food without having game plans and alliances playing on my mind constantly.
My thoughts and reminiscing were suddenly interrupted by a soft knock on my door. Cato. Damn it.
"This had better be good," I snapped before pulling the door open, aggressive words already forming on my mouth. I stopped short and did a double take, taking in the figure in the doorway. "Enobaria?" I asked in surprise. "What do you want?"
Enobaria grinned, baring teeth.
"Good to see you too, Clove."
She strolled past me into the room without invitation, of course. I turned but left the door wide open, showing her that she wouldn't be staying. Enobaria had never been someone who I particularly enjoyed spending time with. I admired her courage, her feistiness, sure, but her personality? Not one of my favourites.
"What?" I demanded, crossing my arms across my chest – my automatic, no-nonsense stance.
Enobaria just rolled her eyes, remaining at ease.
"Chill out. Look, don't be annoyed at Cato I told him to act like he did. But what was so wrong with it? I was trying to help people like you, it's the only way they'll let you live in peace, you know that."
Them being the important people. The gamemakers. Snow.
I ignored her.
"Was there anything else you wanted?"
She sighed, stepping towards me.
"Just don't be mad, okay? I know it may seem rough right now but trust me, it gets better."
"I don't need your advice-"
"Will you just listen to me for once in your damn life, Clove? I'm trying to help you believe it or not. You seem to listen to absolutely no one these days, except maybe Cato. But I am your mentor, whether you like it or not, and one of the only people who actually knows what you're going through right now. Yes, you may hate the Capitol but you'll just have to endure them. We all do. And I know coming to terms with having won the games is hard but you knew it would be. It was never going to be easy. Clove, you're one of the strongest people I know. You are. I've seen endless kinds go into those games and few come out again. But you did and that speaks for itself. Don't screw it up now. Not after everything you've done to get here. You've just got to do what you have to do to please everyone for now and in a while; they'll find something else to obsess over." Enobaria stared me in the eye, lowering her voice. "The games will change you. I'm sorry but it's unavoidable and you're just going to have to come to terms with that. They change everyone. It doesn't make you weak, it makes you stronger."
I had never heard her speak so passionately or kindly, for that matter, about anything. I didn't exactly know how to respond.
She gave up and marched past me when it became clear that I wasn't going to reply, turning around and stopping briefly on her way out. There was a small, teasing smile on her lips.
"Oh, and Clove? Seriously, don't be mad at Cato. He didn't want to say that stuff but I told him it would help you. It will. If there's one thing that gets the Capitol excited-"
"Yeah, yeah, I get the point," I cut her off with an eye roll, fighting a smile.
Enobaria beamed, showing her worryingly sharp teeth.
"I'll see you later, Clove. You did good tonight."
"Thanks," I answered, watching her walk off down the hallway of our quarters.
I shut my bedroom door with a gentle click and collapsed back in to the bed, thinking over what she'd said. Maybe I'd had her down wrong. Maybe she wasn't as brutal as everyone assumed. Then I remembered how she had killed someone in the arena with her bare teeth and my brain shut the hell up.
"Clove?"
It was Cato's voice from behind the closed door.
I got up and opened the door before retuning to where I had been sat on my bed. Cato stood in the doorway looking unsure and uneasy. He still hadn't changed out of his interview suit which, I had to admit, was pretty dashing. I smiled which only seemed to make him more nervous.
"Um… you aren't mad?" he asked, sounding confused.
"Nope," I qualified. I actually wasn't mad any more. If he had dropped by before Enobaria, had well…
"Oh. Good, I guess?"
I grinned.
"Well come in then."
Cato stepped into the spacious room and joined me on the bed, still wearing a worried expression.
"Seriously, I'm over it," I sighed, rolling my eyes, "even if you were a complete jackass."
He chuckled in response, easing up a bit.
"Yeah. Sorry about that."
"Hmm. Well you'll just have to make it up to me, won't you?"
Cato smirked playfully, tugging on a strand of my Capitol-esque, glossy raven hair.
"And how would I do that?"
I ignored his question, running my hand over his chest and asking my own.
"Don't you want to get out of this thing?"
Cato looked down at this shirt with a Caesar-worthy twinkle in his eye.
"You make a good point," he declared, ripping off first the jacket and then the shirt.
I was about to join in when I noticed the door of the room still open. By this point I had ended laying on the bed with Cato half on top of me. There was no way I was getting up. But the door…
Then I had a brainwave. I reached down into the bag next to my bed which an avox had left me. It held a few items, nothing much. I rummaged through it with my free hand, barely interrupting Cato. My fingers suddenly curled around the petite, razor-sharp, wooden-handled knife that I had been looking for – one of my favourites for practicality. I grinned at Cato before flicking the knife across the room and into the wood of the door where it closed with a slam. Cato whipped his head between me and the door for a second before beaming as well.
"Have I mentioned lately how awesome you are?"
I shrugged.
"Not recently enough."
His throaty laugh filled my ears before his tone became lower and huskier.
"Now, where were we?"
Roast potatoes. Turkey. Steamed vegetables. Capitol food was good.
Cato and I had left my room a couple of hours later to join the others for dinner. He, of course, had wolfed down the food like the pig he was and excused himself from the table before me. I was just finishing up.
"The blue corset is such a better quality but it if wear that, I'll have to change my shoes…" Rondula was jabbering on to Lunarus and Garia, my prep team, who seemed to have become a pair of nodding dogs.
Enobaria hadn't showed up to eat, no surprises there. The other stylists and Capitol freaks were also there. Rondula had squealed in delight to find out that I had actually worn something from my approved wardrobe, rather than choosing to wear my own clothes as she assumed I would have. Besides that, and a brief discussion about the success of the interview, no one had spoken to me too much. Not that I was worried – I found talking to these tiny-minded creatures physically tiring.
After finishing my last mouthful, I excused myself from the table and went in search of Cato. I was in need of sane company. Well, sane-er.
I made my way to his room which was just down the hall from mine, and as I had been about to knock on the door, it flew backwards, almost hitting me in the face.
"Hey – Cato!" I squawked, dodging the wooden frame by inches. But it wasn't Cato. The person who stepped out had hard, cold eyes and withered, leathery skin. The last person that I had been expecting.
"Oh – President Snow. Um, sorry."
He smiled – or tried to – which was beyond creepy.
"Ah, Clove. I've been looking for you."
Looking for me in Cato's room?
"Uh, okay, here I am. How can I help?"
I hoped I sounded polite. Polite wasn't a tone that I used very often but I had to bare in mind that this man could have me killed at the click of his fingers, victor or not.
"Well if you'd care to join me. I'd like to have a little talk with you. You too, Cato."
Snow proceeded to walk down the corridor without another word. I cast a panic-stricken look at Cato who looked pale and terrified (exactly how I was feeling) before shrugging and following with him on my tail. Snow lead us to a small room towards the back of the building which I'd never been in before. It was small and bright and contained four chairs and a table. I wondered what it was used for.
"Please, take a seat," he instructed.
I followed the order and Cato eventually did too, albeit reluctantly. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife so it was too bad that I didn't have any with me.
Cato wanted to slaughter Snow, I wanted Cato to calm the hell down and Snow probably wanted us both dead. The silence was deafening.
Snow didn't sit himself, instead pacing up and down the room. Nothing was said for what felt like ages. It felt like a test, to see how well we would handle being along with him. Say something. I couldn't. Do it. Have some balls will you? I took a deep breath and cleared my throat.
"Is it something we've done wrong, sir?" I asked in the politest tone I could manage, despite the underlying feeling of yeah, I spoke first. I'm badass, deal with it.
It was almost as if Snow could read my thoughts as a small smile spread across his face
"Not exactly, no," he answered in his deep, ancient voice. He stopped pacing to turn and glare at us. No more Mr Nice Guy. "But let it be remembered who is in charge here. You will do well not to forget why you're both alive today. You belong to me. You are Capitol property and that will never change. Do not forget your place."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I replied sweetly.
"I should hope not. Otherwise, enjoy your stay." Snow turned to leave before abruptly stopping and looking at Cato. "Oh and I liked what you did in your interview. Very, shall we say… crowd-pleasing."
And then he was gone. Just like that. I counted to ten in my head to make sure hat he wasn't coming back before turning to Cato.
"Well that was odd," I noted.
He just nodded, seeming distracted. I snapped my fingers loudly.
"Cato! Say something."
"Say what?" he growled.
I rolled my eyes at his bad attitude before something occurred to me; Snow had already been in Cato's room.
"Cato… why was Snow in your room?"
"What? When?"
"Before he brought us here. What did he say to you?"
"He was looking for you. He didn't say anything."
I shook my head, ponytail swinging.
"No, why would he have been looking for me in there? Don't lie to me Cato, what did he say?"
"He said nothing!" he yelled, jumping to his feet. "Damn just, Clove, just let it go will you!"
He stormed out of the room, kicking the table as he went and splintering the wood.
"Oh my God," I breathed, placing my head in my hands.
If there had been any doubt before, now it was clear. Something had happened between Cato and Snow before I'd arrived. What had Snow said? More importantly, what had he done? I couldn't even begin to think about all the possibilities.
This is bad, my mind warned me, creating an endless chant. This is really, really bad.
A/N: Reviews mean so much. xo
